Celtic Diary Saturday March 9: It’s that Time Again!

Celtic have the opportunity to go ten points clear this afternoon when Aberdeen come to town.

Some title race this turned out to be despite the hoops giving everyone a head start back in August.

As we head for more silverware, spare a thought for those who thought it would be their turn..their 55th title in just seven years…

Hibernian and “rangers ” fought out a 1-1 draw at Easter Road. that more or less kills off any lingering hopes that the Ibrox side had of winning the league and should they collapse to Aberdeen in the midweek cup replay their season will be over.

Their loyal support are still firmly behind their manager, as he’s repeatedly told them its not his fault the players he brought in are either too young, too old or too shite to make any sort of impact.

Reality is biting again..

Some of their support are disappointed, thats to be expected after the experts in the media told them it would be so much better..

It does say “shoots from the lip “. I thought that was a typo.

Its not gone their way this season-it was never going to-and their supporters will get to relive the disappointment the last time they got their hopes up so high..

Four cup final officials proving their neutrality at full time there..

For Celtic boss Neil Lennon, it will be an emotional afternoon as he takes his seat in the Celtic Park dugout for the first time since answering the call to step in when the previous manager saw some pound signs and dug out his copy of “Great Moments In The History Of Leicester City ”

“Of course it will be special. I’ll have a moment when it will mean so much then the whole focus will be on the team and on the club.

“I have the help of John Kennedy and Damien Duff. It’s been brilliant but it’s all about the team and the fans. I hope there’s that connection there more or less straight away between fans and players because they have been hurt.

Hurt ?

Vindicated, maybe. Relieved even, but hurt ?

How can someone you couldn’t give a toss about hurt you, unless its with a hammer ?

But there is one legacy that can be attributed to Barney Redders, or whatever his name was, he certainly knows how to unify a support.

The story continues today and the club would like to remind supporters to be on their best behaviour.

This follows another incident at Easter road when a supporter ran alongside the pitch before attacking “rangers ” captain James Tavernier Pen 88…to give him his full name, as usually noted in match reports.

Hibernian supporters are making a bit of a nuisance of themselves of late, and perhaps could find themselves on the end of a fine or even a stand closure, a move that would allow the SFA to pretend they are on the ball with recent fan trouble, and not upset what the other clubs call the “Ugly Sisters ” into the bargain.

Thats not a reference to Hibernian chief Leanne Dempster, as I’ve no idea if she has a sister, but to the two Glasgow clubs who, according to neutral fans get all the decisions and all the trophies and anything else that happens to be on offer.

Aberdeen fans are generally easier to get on with than most, but we hear today they’re heading into town mob handed and have already caused chaos on the roads..

They may take the game a little less seriously than in the past, as they will have one eye on the Cup replay with “rangers “.

Key players may be rested, as McInnes will fancy his chances of beating Celtic in a Hampden semi final, perhaps mindful of how close he got to us in the League cup final.

As for Celtic, manager Lennon has either completely lost it already, or he has a surprise or two himself in store.

That’s Marvin Comperr, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. He took part in a development game the other day, and played so well that he might even get a game for the first team.

Lennon said;

“He could, yeah,”

“He played a development game on Tuesday and I went to see it. His attitude was excellent. Scott Allan played as well, and Bayo. I was really pleased with what I saw from the senior boys as well as the younger players.

“He’s training with the first-team squad. And he’s keeping himself ticking over with match fitness with the development team. If called upon he’ll be ready, fitness-wise anyway.”

Yeah, right up until the moment he hurts his back tying his bootlace.

Lennon may well just be trying to show the press he’s a changed man, all pleasant with a bit of a sense of humour.

Very subtly, sports editors have issued guidelines on which Lennon photgraphs can be used, and which can’t.

the Record lead the way this morning with this

The Express were a little more subtle, but again the vilification is underway ..all in order to tell us later this season that he nrings it on himself..

In all seriousness, ahead of a possible three more games against the dark side, maybe the club should consider hiring a couple of proper security guards to look after the dugout..

Speaking of the papers, the Daily Star, which some say is a newspaper, but they probably haven’t read it, offers an insight into the hunt for a permanent manager that Celtic are apparently participating in..

The Hoops boss met with Lee Congerton and Peter Lawwell to begin discussions over their recruitment process.

My guess is Congerton was asked if he knows anyone who knows anything about scouting and recruitment.

And Congerton would gently told that the scouting department was going to move in a different direction, and it would be nice if he could move in a different direction as well.

We intercepted this message that was left on his desk..

Anyway, sometimes there is something worth reading in the papers…from the Sun

Palestine ambassador given VIP tour of Celtic Park as he thanks fans for ‘unwavering support for our cause’

Hoops supporters raised £176,000 for Palestinian charities in 2016 after the Scottish champions were fined by Uefa for a huge fan-demonstration against Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva

A PALESTINE ambassador was given a VIP tour of Celtic Park as he thanked Hoops fans for their incredible crowdfunding efforts three years ago.

Dr Husam Zomlot touched down in Scotland this week for the first time since taking his new role as Palestine’s head of mission to the UK.

In 2016, the Scottish champions were fined £8,000 for a huge pro-Palestine fan demonstration against Israeli outfit Hapoel Beer Sheva.

But the charge was dwarfed by the £176,000 raised online for Middle East charities in a bid by fans to match what they thought would be a far harder hit.

And Mr Zomlot paid homage to the extraordinary sum raised by thanking the club and its supporters today during a trip to the stadium.

A tweet from the Palestine in the UK Twitter account read: “H.E. Dr @hzomlot visited today @CelticFC to deliver a message of thanks from the Palestinian people to the club and Celtic fans for #Palestine for their wholehearted and unwavering support for our cause. #YoullNeverWalkAlone”.

If you’re going to the game today, enjoy it..

This is the start of the run to the treble. Its that time of year when our moods are lifted, when the grin is that little harder to wipe from our faces.

The league is more or less done, the cup could be a problem but the spotlight will be turned on the referees via the bookies ahead of the semi final to ensure fair play, and the nights are getting shorter.

Which means more daylight of the undead on the streets.

Mind you, they do tend to retire early this time of the year..for obvious reasons. it was the hope that killed them.

Brilliant, again! I see “Her Majesty” is fuming and furious that her Hibs fan had the audacity to lay a hand on one of her own. She is a true Govanite, don’t worry Leanne, you can always return to your own. Secrets and lies, it all comes down from above, with putrid as the one leading the club, take your lead from him. Her “falling out” with Lenny was her improbable gift to Celtic, someday we will find out the REAL reason. Oh, the Sevco are shite, from morning till night.
Yoker, an excellent post on todays game, all the best mate from a sunny but cold Scotia. COYBIG.

Yoker BhoyMarch 9, 2019 at 9:44 am ·

Cheers Mikey – have a brilliant day and, all being well, we’ll see a five-star performance with quite a few goals rattling in to spoil the day for the dandies. This is a great chance to go 10 clear for the first time this season!

HH

The ChaMarch 9, 2019 at 1:22 pm ·

Dempster was pure ragin’ in total contrast to last week when the assault on Sinky was met by whataboutery and even after the failure of stewards and CCTV to identify his attacker there was no public apology.

I assume she only mentioned she’d written privately to Sinky that she knew it would look dreadful given her immediate angry reaction to an “attack” on a Ranger.

D'Fhinnein MickMarch 9, 2019 at 9:26 am ·

RALPH

Can I please draw the attention of your match-going readers to this:-

Glasgow City Council have finally granted approval for a memorial to AN GORTA MOR to be sited in the city. A fundraising bucket collection will be held today at Celtic Park.

Caption: Statement from the accused “ well I seen how pish that Taverner was playing eh? So it wis obvious he’d tanned ma buckfast – that I threw last week likesay! So’s I just went an asked him for it back, ken”

gerry hughesMarch 9, 2019 at 9:39 am ·

Got to be one of your best diaries ever. Just love those experts Jackson and Nicholas. Keep highlighting their brilliance!

UnaMarch 9, 2019 at 9:57 am ·

Caption

Bellends the pair of them

MontiMarch 9, 2019 at 10:56 am ·

Una,
Mike & Yoker?

BognorbhoyMarch 9, 2019 at 10:05 am ·

Caption ..

Mcleans saying , I can’t give a penalty tav it was outside the box

His assistant was shouting ..
ned ned ned

SteveNaiveMarch 9, 2019 at 10:12 am ·

Just watched the recent Oscar winner Green Book. Disappointed, not a thing in it about Celtic at all.
Mei Mc Cann… we should be talking about how well rangers played and the last ditch defending if Hibs”… good grief.

Puggy67March 9, 2019 at 11:08 am ·

No so sure SteveNaive the pizza scene was a clear Steve Fulton reference.

Morning Bhoys & Ghirls, or in Una’s case, the aged.
Disappointed to see these incidents, fans going on the park, bottles, coins & seats being thrown, not to mention the huns weekly sectarian songbook?
What is happening with folk?

No need ever to be throwing anything at opposition players or supporters, get a fucking grip!!

Big game today, just win Celtic, just win!

Good to see the panic & disappointment in the huns, long may their pain continue!

Caption: Celtic fan throws 21 year old at Ragers player, calls for Neil Lennon to be sanctioned.

George LazenbhoyMarch 9, 2019 at 11:27 am ·

Caption : sorry brother James, even I can’t give you a penalty for that

Brian (not the messiah)March 9, 2019 at 11:33 am ·

Caption: ref. Sorry tav I can’t award you a penalty for that.

Brian (not the messiah)March 9, 2019 at 11:35 am ·

Ohhhh george you beat me to it!! Great minds think alike

50 Shades of GreenMarch 9, 2019 at 11:52 am ·

Caption,,,,

Begbie lookalike—-a wiz just looking fir ma buckie bottle I left it here last week like…

Pat mc cormickMarch 9, 2019 at 11:58 am ·

Next target going for 55again next season so pony up with your money (ST) and we will buy more dross from EPL HHPJ44

CartvaleMarch 9, 2019 at 12:06 pm ·

Caption
Can u get me a transfer ref this mob are shite

The huns, what can u say, they think Alfredo is the best thing since sliced bread, mince is probably a better description.
Love how they highlight the mad mental Hibee, but ignore the sectarian singing (the Famine Song amongst others) and the seats ripped up, or is that cultural, and the great hordes of Ibrokes having fun?

I hear the “rangers” have given up football for Lent. Little do they know what is waiting for them at the Easter rising. As ever, their sacrifice and increasing debt for the sake of Scottish football will be in vain once more as the pesky rebellious underdogs sweep all before them for the third time in a row.

My one hope today, ahead even of a sparkling result, is perfection from our fans. If ever there was a time for exemplary behaviour from every single one, it is this afternoon. There is absolutely no excuse for anything else and that includes the dangerous and totally pointless smoke canisters or flares.

Let it be a day to remember for all the right reasons.

H H

B BoruMarch 9, 2019 at 1:18 pm ·

hear hear!

The ChaMarch 9, 2019 at 1:24 pm ·

What did we win the league by last year, 13 points?

We should be able to comfortably beat that (15+ points) to send Slippy homewards to think again.

Lenny bruceMarch 9, 2019 at 1:27 pm ·

Caption

“The police have got him, just get in with the game. It’s a penalty to you”

Lenny not proven verdict sets Edinburgh precedent for loons attending games to do as they please knowing no jury of their peers will convict regardless of the crime or available VAR.

Owen MullionsMarch 9, 2019 at 4:28 pm ·

Caption: Neil Lennon arrested for ‘looking like a taig’ as Tavernier agrees time of next penalty award with match officials.

CDMarch 9, 2019 at 8:15 pm ·

Lot of supporters thinking Aberdeen were in for a tanking today , underestimated how defensive they would play and just assume we would rattle a few by them , Scott Sinclair hat trick ? Ralph counting his chickens again ,

jimmybeeMarch 9, 2019 at 8:44 pm ·

Nothing lost nothing gained another game down

Flat perfermoance I thought and the fans not as vocal as I thought they would be. We are missing a creative midfielder Christie McGregor Rogic are big losses at the moment so a little surprised we aren’t going with 2 up top.
But on we go just disapointed the lead at the top wasnt extended today. HH

Bobby Murdoch’s Crumpled Up Chip WrapperMarch 9, 2019 at 8:59 pm ·

Caption;

“Listen Tav, I might be a Sevconian but I simply can’t give you a penalty for that!”

UraliusMarch 10, 2019 at 12:50 am ·

Caption: One of Scotland coppers doesn’t even try and hide his true colors with blue emblazoned across his shoulders.

UraliusMarch 10, 2019 at 1:02 am ·

We did alright, we have to remember that Lennon is on a mission from God. While he is under orders to win the treble we have to remember his higher mission; to destroy that mob, be it in the form of Rangers, Sevco, zombies or anything else they or we come up with to describe them.

Iljas BakerMarch 10, 2019 at 4:58 am ·

Uninspired performance today. Maybe down to tiredness as Lennon stated. We really are missing Rogic, Calmac and Christie. They are all potential game changers.Thought Sinclair was posted missing again and Ollie Burke really needs to do more than just run fast – he ran off the park a couple of times! I’m sure Lenny will sort it out. As things stand I wouldn’t pay 10 million got Burke and wouldn’t really extend Sinclair ‘s contract if we want to do better in Europe.

Iljas BakerMarch 10, 2019 at 5:00 am ·

for Burke

Devoy45March 10, 2019 at 7:05 am ·

Very disappointed. I thought the home crowd and energy levels should have been a big factor against a team that dug in to frustrate us. Our problem is scoring goals and I hoped Lenny would see this and do something about it. We’ve only scored 4 goals since Lenny took over and I fear Brown/Bitton has slowed us down. Yes, we miss Cal Mac, Christie and Rogic but that’s where we need to switch tactics and formations.
Burke shouldn’t be an automatic starter either. He’s a winger but James Forrest is a better one
Bayo wasn’t even on the bench. Lenny? In a dour scoreless draw, why not someone different?
Sometimes, with Brendan, it was frustrating when he persisted with things that weren’t working. I forgot that Lenny can also do that same thing.
We have 3 games to rack ups some goals and more convincing victories:
Dundee/St. Mirren/Livvie at home.
Sevco? Lenny must win that one. A loss to Sevco would be unthinkable and would also convince me that Lenny is not our long-term man. I’m having my doubts now, after yesterday. Tiredness should be no excuse for a big squad like ours.
Uninspiring. Disappointed.
Our perfect home record is now gone and I remember how Lenny didn’t always shine in cups either.
I was totally fooled by Brendan so don’t want to make the same mistake with Lenny so am trying to be realistic, not fickle.
C’mon the Celtic

MontiMarch 10, 2019 at 7:28 am ·

PISH

MontiMarch 10, 2019 at 8:49 am ·

Devoy,
At the moment we are missing too many of our main players, Benkovic, McGregor, Rogic & Christie, this does & will have an impact negatively on the team.
Sometimes also we just have to acknowledge the opposition for executing their game plan.
One thing that is a bit puzzling is, if Edouard is 100% fit then he should be starting.
We could always turn to Griffiths i suppose…….when you can be fucked Leigh, maybe head back to work.

MikeMarch 10, 2019 at 8:17 am ·

Head south from sweet Carnlough bay, take the M2 passing Antrim on your right, Carrickfergus on your right, (I wish I was in Carrickfergus, only for nights in Ballygrand, I would swim o’er the deepest ocean, just to see you before I die, Nor have I wings so I could fly). Take a left through Belfast, past Lisburn, then you arrive in Lurgan, county Armagh, a distance of some 59 miles. That’s the journey from the Departed, you are in ARRIVALS, the home of the Celtic manager, Neil Francis Lennon. He won as the Celtic manager, the first three off the league titles, he is here hoping to win the last three, the eighth, nineth and tenth. “So I had a meeting with Lawwell and Lee Congerton on Wednesday last. So, there are plans in place he said, positions and players have been identified for next season”. We wish him well….

“On the twelth of November, that day of renown,
McGrath and his keeper, they left old Lurgan town”.

When winter was brawling, O’er high hills and mountains,
and dark were the clouds o’er the deep rolling seas,
I spied a wee lassie, as the daylight was dawning,
She was asking the road to sweet Carnlough Bay”.

MikeMarch 10, 2019 at 9:14 am ·

How we miss Dembelle, coming up against hod carriers, like Hertz and Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, the Huns, you need that big physical but skilful type of player. Disappointed not to see Bayo, was he injured?
but its clear as day that we need a big striker, only Lenny would be able to tell us how Edourade was not started perhaps even with Burke up front together. I suppose he is just feeling his way in with players that he isn’t used to. A new right back is needed, Toljen returning home and Gamboa’s time is up, their wages will be used to bring in a new right back. But for me a big physical, talented finisher, a centre forward must be the priority.
I missed the “bucketeers” yesterday, if anyone could provide a donation link to “An Gorta Mor” it would be most appreciated….

alibMarch 10, 2019 at 10:46 am ·

So, Steven Gerrards “sevco” is he the owner ? if so is he liable for debts of the previous entity and the burgioning debts of the latest bunch of ?

Iljas BakerMarch 10, 2019 at 10:49 am ·

Don’t think Toljan is the answer anyway Mike. He’s good at attacking but not defending. We really need to discover some new talent or spend a bit like Ajax.

Charlie SaizMarch 10, 2019 at 11:08 am ·

I think Lustig could be the solution regarding both Toljan and Gamboa this Season.
Deploy Lustig as the RCB in a 3 man defence and push both wingbacks up the Park a bit.
That way you have a natural right back in behind if hey get caught up the Park attacking.
Lenny prefers 3 when playing better sides anyway so it’s not like he’d be attempting to reinvent the wheel.
Having a 3 will also allow the likes of Ajer more freedom to launch attacks from deep.
Try get the quality of Castagne in the Summer meanwhile as a long term solution.

Iljas BakerMarch 11, 2019 at 10:53 am ·

Sounds about right CS. Interested in being manager?

MikeMarch 10, 2019 at 11:29 am ·

I agree IIjas., Toljan was found out a couple of times already. C.S. Lustig perhaps another year, but its all about ambition, the policeman was found out in Europe, I agree that we need another quality right back, one who can defend as well as go forward…

Charlie SaizMarch 10, 2019 at 10:52 am ·

Aberdeen have the best away record in the League this Season.
That is our 4th game against them this Season and we have failed to beat them by more than 1 goal.
Coupled with the fact we have our 3 most talented Midfielders out through injury and the fact our previous Manager walked out on them a under two weeks ago with 12 games left in the Season then it is hardly surprising it has had an adverse reaction.
It would appear that Lenny is in a no win situation with some within our numbers because if we win John Kennedy gets the plaudits and if we drop points (not lose) then he gets to carry the can?
Players are picked on how they train during the week and depending on the type of opponent.
Burke has raw pace Édouard doesn’t and given how well Aberdeen can defend it was deemed he start.
No one blinked an eye at Brendan going with 1 Striker most of the Season (or the first) as results tended to be the only concern?
We were poor up top yesterday,players were loose with their passing and Aberdeen executed their game plan very well.
It happens.
The delivery has been pish for the most part this Season and we all know why that is.
Griffiths if fit should start if only for this reason.
He isn’t so we have to deal with it.
The Bhoys Henderson and Johnston need game time to improve as both are quality young players and fans have to be patient Whilst this happens.
If they can’t get a game whilst we have the injuries we do when can they?
I doubt Neil Lennon would be starting Brown and Bitton in the middle of the options we have with Calmac Christie and Rogic were available.
The dynamic in the side only changed this Season when all 3 were fit the rest of the Season we have Average to poor for most of it under ¥.
It will take time for Lenny to find his feet with a new squad and setup at Celtic.
His record against Aberdeen as a Celtic Manager if fairly decent for the record he’s only lost one game in about 17.
KTF

MontiMarch 10, 2019 at 2:22 pm ·

CS,
You are talking shite, Griffiths being a ‘ set piece specialist ‘is a myth.
Nakamura was one of the best as was Alan Thompson.
Griffiths?

Charlie SaizMarch 10, 2019 at 4:04 pm ·

The corner taking has been brutal since he went out.
That’s talking shire that is a fact.
He’s the best dead ball specialist we have hands down.

Charlie SaizMarch 10, 2019 at 4:05 pm ·

Not talking shite’

Devoy45March 10, 2019 at 12:17 pm ·

Good responses. Thanks Monti for going beyond PISH. What you say makes sense. Like you, I hate giving any quarter to the Huns and I saw yesterday as a chance to increase our lead. I wasn’t expecting that flat display and result. Until we get Cal Mac, Christie and Rogic back then Lenny needs to re-jig things. I like the 3-5-2 wingback idea and it would be good to get two bigger strikers up front. We need to see what Bayo can do.

Devoy45March 10, 2019 at 2:34 pm ·

I think Griffiths is easily the best set piece specialist we have on the current squad. Correct though, he isn’t as good as Naka was. Thommo was pretty good too. I would like to get Griff back on the pitch under Lenny.